Follow a self-taught backyard gardener in her gardening obsession
A reflection on the successes and failures of establishing a native garden. From the enthusiastic spreading of Pearly Everlasting to the disappearance of native milkweeds, gardening is always a learning process. Get real-world insight into the challenges of creating a native backyard garden.
Follow along as a backyard gardener starts a native wildflower garden from foraged and donated seeds. From winter sowing to garden design, this post has many ideas about how to start a backyard native wildflower garden in Montreal, Quebec.
Follow along on my second year of winter sowing in Montreal. I explain how to winter sow seeds. My own technique combines the use of milk jugs and plastic bins. I discuss the relative merits of different methods and share my insights.
Planning for the 2024 growing season in Montreal, Canada. I am considering various growing techniques for poppies and cosmos, including winter sowing. With a focus on trying to add more native plants to my garden design, I consider the relative benefits of keeping geranium and non-native rudbeckia.
A deep dive into native plants blooming in zone 5 in early September.
Have you been noticing strangers lurking around your garden lately? Perhaps you’ve noticed someone furtively brandishing a pair of scissors and an envelope? An interloper snapping a quick pic before snatching the seed heads from your plant? Well, that creepy individual might well be me. The plans have been in the works for a while.... Continue Reading →
If you’re an avid gardener, you’ve probably experienced the push to plant more native plants. There are so many excellent reasons to do so. They provide the ideal food for local birds and bees. They won’t take over and become invasive. They help prevent erosion and many require less watering because they are adapted to... Continue Reading →
After the horrors of last week, we’re back to regularly scheduled content, with lots of gorgeous images. I have so many pictures to share! That's because, along with roses and columbines, hydrangeas have to be some of my favourite shrubs. And with good reason. Their blooms are reliable and long lasting. They come in a... Continue Reading →
This post should come with a trigger warning. It won’t be my usual gushing prose interspersed with gorgeous pictures of my garden. No, it is going to be full of decimated, damaged, and besieged plants. Consider yourself warned! Japanese BeetlesWhere do Japanese Beetles Come From?Will Japanese Beetles Kill My Tree or Plant?Japanese Beetle TrapsNeem Oil... Continue Reading →
Types of RosesPests, Diseases, and CareTreatmentDeadheadingPruningRose Colours and MeaningPink roses – gratitude, elegance, and sweetnessYellow roses – warmth, friendship, and joyOrange roses – pride, energy, and intense desireWhite roses - innocence and spiritualityRed - Love and Passion Not to brag, but I have quite an impressive rose collection for an urban garden. Or an insane... Continue Reading →
Martha's Garden Obsession 